Paulo Costa has officially announced his arrival in the UFC’s light heavyweight division with a decisive victory over Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event of UFC 327. Costa appeared to be the larger fighter in the octagon, and this size advantage did not impede his performance. From the outset, “The Eraser” utilized precise leg kicks to neutralize his opponent. By the end of the first round, Costa had also managed to knock Murzakanov down.
However, Costa experienced a slowdown in the second round, allowing “The Professional” to mount a comeback and potentially win the round.
The third round proved to be the decisive one. Paulo Costa launched an aggressive assault from the opening bell, landing head kicks and visibly injuring Murzakanov’s arm. Murzakanov was left staggering before eventually collapsing to the canvas, leading to the TKO victory for Costa.
With this win, Costa handed Murzakanov his first professional loss. Following the bout, Costa issued a warning to the rest of the light heavyweight contenders. He posted on X, declaring, “Dominant from start to finish. Paulo Costa showed power, precision, and composure – the result: a brutal knockout. Another statement made. The division better be ready.”
Paulo Costa Targets Khamzat Chimaev Next
After securing consecutive wins against Russian opponents, Paulo Costa has expressed his strong desire to face his arch-rival, Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev, the current UFC middleweight champion, is scheduled to defend his title at UFC 328. Reports suggest that following his next defense, Chimaev intends to move up to the light heavyweight division.
Should the newly crowned light heavyweight champion, Carlos Ulberg, face an extended layoff due to injury, a potential interim light heavyweight title fight between Chimaev and Costa could be on the horizon, contingent on Chimaev’s successful title defense next month.
Earlier today, Costa stated his intentions to UFC News: “I have beef with Chimaev. I’d like to fight him. We can do it here at light heavyweight.”